June 2017| 129
not only help them tailor the next session, but also help
you to remain focused on the bigger picture. Many will
use video and other tools to help this process.
A good coach can guide you on your bike, but also when
you’re not on it. Together, you should be able to explore
strength and conditioning, nutrition, psychology, race
tactics and stretching, among other topics. If you have a
particular area you want to address, question the coach
about it before deciding which camp to go on.
Destination and Duration
Many people choose either Mallorca or the Canary
Islands for their warm weather winter training camps.
But camps are being held at other locations like Greece,
Cyprus, Spain (particularly in Andalucia, Murcia and
Catalonia and Portugal. ow-cost airlines now fly to
all these places, helping to keep down the cost of your
camp. Book early for the best possible deals, wear
compression socks, and take your own food and drink for
the flight.
If you are building towards a big race, you’ll probably
want to replicate the terrain of your route, so the best
place to train would be on the course. If there are no
camps available, then one that runs with conditions that
most closely match those of your race. For those of you
tackling some of the mighty climbs in the Alps, Pyrenees
or Dolomites, this would be your best ground for training.
Think about how long you want to spend in camp. This
may have to fit around your work or home life or you
may give more weight to what will be best for your
performance; in the end, it could be a compromise
between the two.
Before booking you could check on one of the websites
used to track activity via GPS, like Strava or MapMyRide.
Coaches may have their own page or you could search by
location. This will tell you the type of rides covered by the
cyclists and whether the area is used much at the time of
your camp.
Comfort and practicalities
There are many different ty es of accommodation
available on camps. Very often, where you stay will be
dictated by your choice of coach, so if you’re not sure
about why the camp accommodation has been chosen,
make this something you ask when ringing around to
make enquiries.
Some coaches will have pre-booked rooms in bike-friendly
hotels or self-catering apartments within a hotel. Some
will use their own “home” base where they can control
your off-the-bike routine more closely, re aring meals
s ecifically for you and your training grou . The home
base offers flexibility in meal times to suit the day’s ride
and food prepared to enhance your camp experience.
Against this, weigh up the possible remoteness and lack
of other entertainment at a “home” location.
You alone can determine your priorities and what sort
of accommodation will suit you; whether you are looking
for a home from home, or whether you want a swimming
pool and choice of restaurant each night.
Road support may vary, even during the camp. You may
find some sessions are led by the coach and some by
a guide; some may have vehicle support whilst others
do not. Once again, it is best to ask careful questions,
particularly if you would not be happy without a support
vehicle at all times. Airport transfers are usually arranged
for you and your bike.
Check what Insurance policies are in place. S